Car insurance. Black box technology - what happens with the information?
The government has cracked onto the idea of monitoring drivers in a rather more 'big brother' style way. A pilot in conjunction with Leeds University called the 'Intelligent Speed Adaptation' actually makes it impossible for a car to exceed the speed limit. Transport for London is considering trialling a similar system on the London roads. Even preventing drivers from speeding may not be the answer to fewer accidents however, as a spokesman from the RAC Foundation points out that drivers who do not feel that they are totally in control of their car, e.g. because their speed is being controlled, are more likely to break rules such as sailing through amber lights, and generally pay less attention.
The moral issues are complex - the insurer chose to get the black box for its own purposes, not to stop people speeding. And UK law cannot force the insurers to relinquish the information. It's a Catch 22 situation.
As a driver, at least you can be assured that if your insurer does make use of black box technology, information relating to your driving will not be volunteered to the police.